Abou Diaby eager to play alongside Mikel Arteta for Arsenal this season

Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby believes that he can form a strong partnership with Mikel Arteta this season.

Diaby spent almost the entire 2011-12 campaign on the treatment table with a string of persistent injury problems.

The 26-year-old thinks that he is ready to make a big contribution for the Gunners and that forming a partnership with Arteta will be crucial.

Diaby told the club's official website: "Mikel is a great player and he showed last season that he is a very important player in our team. I am looking forward to playing next to him.

"I personally prefer to play with three midfielders because I can go forward and I can also defend. I think it is the position that will suit me the best."

Diaby will continue to build his fitness for the new season in Arsenal's final pre-season friendly against FC Cologne on Saturday, August 12.